About Dental Sleep Medicine Board Certification
Dental Sleep Medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating sleep-related breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring using oral appliance therapy, often in collaboration with medical sleep specialists.
Though Dental Sleep Medicine is not an accredited specialty in the US, Board certification in this field demonstrates that a provider has met rigorous standards in both knowledge and clinical care.
At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, our patients benefit from care overseen by Dr. Hemamalini Chandrashekhar, Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) — a mark of distinction that sets her apart among dental sleep practitioners.
Trusted Sleep & Breathing Care from a Board-Certified Dental Sleep Medicine Expert
What Does Board Certification Mean?
To become a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM), a dentist must:
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Complete advanced and clinically focused training in dental sleep medicine
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Pass a demanding written examination covering airway science, sleep physiology, appliance design, patient selection, and comorbidities
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Submit detailed clinical case reports for peer review, showing competence in patient care, treatment outcomes, and follow-up
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Renew certification periodically through continuing education and demonstration of ongoing clinical excellence
By earning Diplomate status, a dentist demonstrates mastery of the field, adherence to evidence-based protocols, and commitment to staying current with evolving standards of care.
Why See a Board-Certified Dental Sleep Medicine Specialist?
Many factors make board-certified providers especially valuable in the management of sleep and airway disorders:
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Verified expertise: Certification confirms competence beyond general training
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Patient safety and precision: Treatment plans follow validated protocols and are tailored to patient physiology
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Multidisciplinary approach: Coordination with sleep physicians, pulmonologists, ENTs, and medical teams
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Sustained outcomes: Regular monitoring, titration, and follow-up to ensure long-term effectiveness
When dealing with complex interactions of anatomy, sleep physiology, and dental appliance design, having a Diplomate as your provider means a higher level of precision and accountability.
Meet Dr. Hemamalini Chandrashekhar
Dr. Chandrashekhar is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) and an Orofacial pain Specialist with a deep understanding of pain and how it affects the overall body. Dr. Chandrashekhar is proud recipient of dual Diplomate status with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) and the American Board of Orofacial Pain (ABOP). This dual recognition highlights her advanced knowledge and clinical experience in managing complex conditions that often overlap, airway and sleep disorders, TMJ dysfunction, chronic facial pain, and headaches.
Dr. Chandrashekhar's surgical training in government hospitals in Mumbai, India, laid a strong foundation for understanding how anatomy and biomechanics can be targeted to treat complex pain disorders. She emphasizes a minimally invasive, evidence-based approach, while also being trained to integrate advanced techniques such as minimally-invasive TMJ joint procedures, regenerative therapies, and interventional procedures when appropriate.
At our Seattle practice, she leads a multidisciplinary vision: addressing TMJ disorders, head and neck pain, not in isolation but in conjunction with sleep disorders and snoring and overall craniofacial health, thus, helping patients achieve better function, sleep, and quality of life.
Why Board-Certification Matters to You as a Patient?
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Comprehensive Perspective: Dual expertise in pain and sleep medicine means your care plan addresses the whole picture, not just one symptom.
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Precision Diagnosis: Advanced training ensures accurate distinction between TMJ pain, nerve pain, headaches, and sleep-related issues.
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Safer, Smarter Treatment: Patients with both sleep apnea and jaw disorders benefit from customized solutions that protect the TMJ while restoring healthy sleep.
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Collaborative Care: Dr. Chandrashekhar works closely with neurologists, ENTs, sleep physicians, and other providers to deliver seamless, coordinated treatment.
With board certifications in both Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Chandrashekhar, an Oral Surgeon offers patients a truly specialized care that very few providers have.
📞 Call (206) 880-0119 or schedule an appointment today to experience expert, comprehensive care.
Dr. Chandrashekhar's Affiliations:
